I checked Goodreads and Straddling The Edge now has over 200 adds. Yay! So I’m giving it up. I’m no longer holding the first chapter hostage. Keep in mind, this is not edited or revised yet, so when the real thing comes out in April, there could very well be lots of changes. đ
Happy reading!
Chapter One
Just one more week and Iâm out of this place. Then I can mope in peace. In the comfort of my own apartment. Away from work, away from Chase and away from these bitches that torment me every day.
I slouch into my desk chair and glance around my classroom as I sing along with the Dixie Chicks coming from my computer. DNA and RNA projects cover the walls, along with a few models on the counters. I still need to get rid of all the student work after I decide which ones to keep as examples for next year. My teacherâs aide, Josh, offered to help after school but I shooed him away. Heâs graduating in just a few days. Iâd hate to keep him from his friends.
I wish I had such a tight-knit group of friends in high school. I admire him and his gang, who have been inseparable since their freshmen year. Four years together and their friendships are stronger than ever before. Theyâll probably still be friends twenty years from now. All married, with tons of kids and meeting up just because.
Me? I never had friends like that in high school. I was the geeky tom-boy who could care less about cliques, school dances, and parties on the weekends. I spent my time reading romance novels and studying math and science. While other girls my age were experimenting with makeup and push-up bras, I slathered Carmex on my lips and tried smashing down my breasts with a sportâs bras. These D-cups started drawing unwanted attention since I was in middle school and I did everything I could to disguise them with hoodies and big t-shirts. I rarely wore anything fitted. At least, not until the rest of my body caught up with my boobs.Â
Now, I wish I had some girlfriends to talk to. Not about my large breasts and my lack of friends in high school, but about my failed relationship. Whenever I see my colleagues, Shelly and Melissa, I crave what they have. Maybe I could have been friends with them, or other female teachers on campus. But I ruined that chance when I started seeing Chase, Shellyâs ex-fiancĂ©. He said he was single, that he and his fiancĂ© had called it quits and he was ready to move on. I should have known better than to believe him. But I got caught up in his charming sweet talk and his ridiculous good looks. Unfortunately, his charm wasnât only reserved for me.
According to Chaseâs teacherâs aide, Keesha, the man who I loved and thought I was going to marry has been cheating on me. I have to give Keesha some major kudos for even having the ovaries to come and tell me. Sheâs always had a major crush on her teacher and thought the world of him. But not now. I have to wonder who I feel sorry for more, me or her? Not only did he shatter my dreams, but he killed the perfect image of man this young girl believed in.
Itâs been two weeks since she came to see me, yet I can still picture it like it was yesterday.
She came into my room after school, head down and a little fidgety. Totally unlike this beautiful girl who always overflowed with confidence.
âHi, Keesh,â I had said. âDid Mr. Marino send you over for a drink or snack again? I swear heâs the neediest man Iâve ever met.â
She frowned. âNo. He didnât send me. I need to talk to you.â She had paused, looking at the floor and biting her lower lip. âDo you have a minute?â
Sensing something was really wrong, I got out of my chair and walked around my desk to meet her. I slid into a student desk and motioned for her to sit as well.
âIâm not sure that this is my place, but I canât keep it to myself. I know I would want to know.â
My stomach turned and my heart rate sped up. Whatever she was about to tell me, it couldnât have been good. I assured her it was okay to speak freely with me and sheâd feel better once she got it off her chest.
But I wasnât expecting her to say, âMr. Marino is cheating on you.â
After taking a shaky breath, I asked, âWhat makes you think that?â
âJosh and I saw him in the parking lot at the movies. He didnât see us. We werenât sure it was him at first, holding another womanâs hand. But the closer we got we realized it was him. When they got to her car, he kissed her. Josh wanted to tell you himself, but I thought it would be better if I told you. You know, weâre both girls and I know this isnât something to take lightly and Josh is a goof and would probably say something stupid.â
I remember laughing. There is no way Josh could have made it through a conversation like that. âSo youâre sure?â
âAbsolutely. Thereâs no doubt. It was him. He was kissing a chick with long blond hair. Mr. Marino is a lying, cheating bastard and I think you should sock him in the balls. I would do it for you, but Iâm graduating in a few days and I canât risk getting expelled. Donât worry. Iâve already talked Josh down from knocking him out too. Just know that weâre both her for you if you need anything.â
My mind whirled with confusion and unanswered questions, but the teenage girl in front of me wasnât the one to answer them. âThank you, Keesha. I really appreciate you coming to me. Youâre right. I would have wanted to know. And now that I do, I have a few things I need to take care of.â
She put her hand on mine. âMs. McGallian, we didnât tell any of the rest of the crew. Meggie and Steph donât know so you donât have to worry about Mrs. Gelson or Mrs. Fuller finding out. In fact, we wonât bring this up ever again. Iâve already forgotten why I came to see you.â
Yes. Just like it was yesterday. My heart broke when Keesha told me about Chaseâs infidelity, and itâs been breaking into smaller pieces since. That bastard didnât try to deny it when I confronted him. He didnât even ask how I found out. It was like he was happy that I knew so he wouldnât have to tell me himself.
Thank god I have always maintained a substantial savings. When Chase couldnât even manage a decent apology, I packed a bag and went to a hotel. Not that I wouldâve stayed even if he got on his knees and groveled. Iâd already accepted that once in my life when I was young and dumb in college and didnât know better. I sure wasnât about to let history repeat itself. Instead, I pampered myself with room service, spent a few days surfing the internet, and made phone calls till I found an apartment to move into. There is no way I could have continued living in that condo with Chase any longer. Even if he wouldâve left without a fight, I wouldâve always wondered if some other woman had slept in my bed. Knowing Chase, it wouldnât surprise me at all.
I just need to get through this last week of school without anyone finding out about Chaseâs betrayal and what a sucker I am. Heâs too much of a coward to tell anyone so as long as I can keep my emotions at bay, till I get home at least, everything should be fine. There is no reason for me to see anyone from work over the summer so when school starts again in the fall, we can just let it slip that we parted ways over the break. Better yet, maybe I can let it leak to the school big mouth and the breakup will be old news by the end of the summer.
With a couple clicks of my mouse, I shut down my computer and decide to call it a day. Forget Chase. Iâm tired of thinking about him. Itâs exhausting. I need to get out and feel like me again.
And I know just the place to do it.
***
âHey, Summer,â Jessie, calls out as I make my way into the tasting room.
A quick smile flashes over my face as I head to the bar. âHey. Howâs it going?â
âWell.â She pours a handcrafted brew and slides it across the worn wooden bar toward me. âHow have you been? You havenât come by in a while.â
âJust busy. Itâs the end of the school year and Iâm swamped.â Or maybe it has something to do with my swollen eyes that have finally gotten back to normal. Iâve been hiding out for two damn weeks because I donât want to answer any questions. Not now, while the wounds are still fresh and the slightest thing could set off tears. Iâd rather just be alone.
Except for Jessie. She just pours the beer and makes small talk. Nothing serious. Sheâs not about to get into my business. Unlike my colleagues.
Thankfully, this isnât the typical hangout for my teacher friendsâor so-called friends. They usually go to one of the chain restaurants and drink fruity liquor or big label beers. Shelly thinks sheâs this brew master when she really doesnât know anything about a good beer at all. If this wasnât my special place where I come to be alone without thoughts of work, my unfaithful dickhead of an ex, or my lack of girlfriends, Iâd introduce her to this family-owned brewery. But itâs my hideout, my salvation and getaway, so I plan on keeping it that way for as long as possible.
âWow, you must be trying to make up for lost time,â the beertender says, her dimples winking at me. âYouâre going to be ready for another any minute.â
I let out a little chuckle. âIf I had a designated Dave, I might drink more.â
Jessie tops off my dark ale before moving down the bar to another customer. Taking my pint with me, I slide off the barstool and find a seat at an makeshift table made from an empty keg and a piece of plywood. The Dodger game is on so I settle in for the night to watch my guys spank the Giantsâhopefully.
Just like I would if I was at the stadium, I stop drinking in the seventh inning. When my eye catches the bottom of the screen, I smile at the score. Itâs been a great game and L.A. is up by four runs, which is a stark improvement from the last two nights. My students who are San Francisco fans canât tease me with a broom tomorrow. There will be no sweeps in this series. Thank god.
âDonât get too excited,â a deep voice says. âThey still have plenty of time to blow it.â
Iâm about to tell whoever this hater is where to shove it when I glance his way and almost swallow my tongue. I have to silently tell myself to close my mouth when I see the sexiest man Iâve ever seen in my life. So I donât look like a total dumb ass, I quickly mumble, âBite me,â and turn back to the TV, thinking I really wouldnât mind if he did ⊠bite me.
I so want to get a good look at him again. My heart speeds up at the thought and I have to take a deep slow breath to calm myself. Sweet jeezus. This man is gorgeous. Thick, dark messy hair that begs to be pulled. I seriously just want to turn around and run my fingers through it. Just once. I have a feeling once would turn into many, kinda like trying to eat one Pringle. That never happens. Oh my, Iâm comparing this hot guy to a potato chip. Heâd be the best chip Iâve ever tasted, I bet.
My eyes blur as I focus too hard on the game. I guess blinking isnât out of the question. Just letting my eyes roam is a no-no. Letting my neck turn to the side so my eyes can catch his is not an option. Iâm here to watch a game, dammit. Drink some beer. Eat some peanuts. Not ogle the guy at the table next to me.
His chair grinds against the cement flooring and without moving my face a hair, I can now see a hand with long fingers resting on a thigh. Those are some hard working hands. Not perfectly manicured, but not dirty. I shift in my own seat so Iâm not tempted to keep glancing at his rough hand against his dark worn jeans.
Get a grip, Summer. Itâs not like youâve never seen a good looking guy. But this guy is a million miles away from just good looking. An adjective hasnât been created to describe his level of sexiness.
There room erupts in cheers and Iâm snapped from my thoughts. I return my attention to the screen and watch the replay. The Dodgers solidify their win with a double play at first and second.
âYes,â I grunt, with a fist pump. And like any good L.A. fan, I hold up my hands to the others for a quick high-five to share in the celebration. After slapping hands with two dudes with impressive beer bellies, sexy guy holds out his right hand to me with a smoldering grinâdamn those dreamy blue eyesâand presses his palm to mine. If itâs possible to get electrocuted by another human being, I just did. Tingles spread across my scalp from every hair follicle on my head down to the tips of my toes before zipping back up and settling in a flurry of butterflies in my stomach.
Thatâs when I notice he has the most perfectly shaped plump lips, ripe and ready for kissing. And that dark stubble tracing his jawline is beyond hot.
Oh shit. My palm is still pressed to his as I commit every detail of his face to memory.
Yanking my hand back like Iâve just touched a flame, I take a mental picture of him and quickly turn away.
âSee ya, Jess. I gotta run,â I yell over my shoulder.Â
I faintly hear her call out a goodbye as I practically sprint out of the brewery, my hand still sizzling from Sexy Guyâs brief touch. Â
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Chase Who? LOL!Â
Thanks for reading!
xoxxoxoxxo
Julie
Indeed, Chase who?! Can’t wait!
I am excited to heart more about Summer and find out if/that there is more to her than the bimbo Shelley and Melissa have led us to believe she is. Everyone deserves someone to love and I can’t wait to meet the sure to be swoon worthy guy that Summer lands. It’ll be interesting to see Shelley and Melissa and their hubboes through Summer’s POV too!
SOOOO looking forward to this. I am excited to see what lies beyond Summer’s bimbo-ish facade and what Shelley and Melissa (and their hubbies) are like from her perspective. Also looking forward to getting to know the obviously swoon worthy guy who Summer is going to snag. And of course, I can always use a healthy dose of the banter and teacher subculture (I bet most people don’t even know exists) that Julie captures so well!
LOL yeap Chase who??? poor summer we did thought different about her based onthe first book thinking she was the one who got inbetween shelly and chase but now we know the truth..
Aaaaaahhhhhhh!!! I am sooooo ready to read this!!! I love love love these characters and your writing style..especially all of the bad words! (ha!)